Zoleka Mandela, granddaughter of the revered Nelson Mandela, passed away on September 25, 2023, after a valiant battle with metastatic cancer. She was 43 years old. This somber news was confirmed by her family spokesperson, Zwelabo Mandela, through an Instagram post.
Zoleka was initially diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32. After achieving remission, the cancer unfortunately returned in the previous year, manifesting in her spinal cord, liver, hip, lung, and ribs. Zoleka shared her courageous fight against cancer with the world through social media, using the hashtag #TerminallyFree, a symbol of her determination to face life head-on despite the terminal diagnosis. Alongside this campaign, she launched a YouTube series under the same banner to encourage others on similar paths.
Her advocacy extended beyond cancer awareness. Having lost her 13-year-old daughter in a tragic car accident in 2010, she became an impassioned advocate for road safety. Zoleka spoke openly about her battles with depression, childhood sexual abuse, drug addiction, and alcoholism. Her autobiography, “When Hope Whispers,” published in 2013, laid bare the challenges she faced, aiming to inspire others to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams.
Born on April 9, 1980, to Zindziswa Mandela and Oupa Johannes Seakamela, Zoleka Mandela emerged from a lineage deeply rooted in the struggle for justice and equality. The Mandela family, direct descendants of King Madiba of the Thembu people, has held the mantle of leadership in their ancestral chiefdom of Mvezo. Zoleka faced and spoke out against sexual abuse during her childhood, further demonstrating her strength and determination to confront difficult truths.
Throughout her life, Zoleka carried the weight of profound personal losses. In addition to losing her daughter in the 2010 car accident, she also faced the tragedy of losing her infant son, Zenawe Zibuyile Mandela, in 2011. However, she found the strength to carry on, raising her son Zwelami Mandela and two daughters, Zanyiwe and Zenzile, as a testament to her resilience and love for her family.
Zoleka Mandela’s impact extended globally. In 2016, she was recognized as one of the BBC’s “100 Women” and appointed a United Nations global ambassador for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and child health. In 2013, she founded the Zoleka Mandela Foundation, focusing on educating people about breast cancer, road safety, and social responsibilities. The foundation aimed to foster personal growth, volunteerism, and accountability among young people.
Her passing marks a significant loss, not only for her family but also for the broader community. Zoleka Mandela’s tireless activism, resilience in the face of personal challenges, and commitment to advocacy will remain an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come. Hamba kahle, Zoleka—your legacy lives on, igniting hope and change in the hearts of many.
